Retired Captain Paul Rukaria is an ex-military man and pilot of the Kenya Defence Forces and flew the national career.
After his retirement, Rukaria ventured into private life, including business and politics, though not at a high-voltage scale.
In 2018, he was picked to be the Chairman of the Party of National Unity (PNU), an outfit that Kenya's third President the late Mwai Kibaki used as a reelection vehicle in 2007.
In a statement made by PNU on July 6, 2018, the party congratulated Caption Rukaria, hailing him as the right person to steer the party at the time.
"The Party of National Unity fraternity takes this opportunity to congratulate Captain Paul Rukaria on his elevation to be the PNU National Chairman," read part of the statement.
The statement continued: "Captain Rukaria has had an accomplished career path starting as a Military Pilot of the Kenya Defense Forces, a decorated Commercial pilot for our national carrier before retiring to venture into the business corporate world. As PNU we feel honored that his acumen, attention to detail, and indefatigable mien will enhance our vision as a party."
On August 5, 2022, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Rukaria as chairperson of Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC), just four days to the general election.
Rukaria's appointment was among many that Uhuru made towards the end of his tenure.
His contract at the state corporation was to last for three years from the date of appointment.
KNTC is a State Corporation in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries & Co-operatives which was incorporated in 1965.
According to a description on its website, "It's mandated to act as a procurement agent for the government and to participate in the promotion of wholesale and retail trade in order to strengthen the supply chain of essential products."
However, less than six months on the job, President William Ruto revoked his appointment.
In a gazette notice on Monday, February 6, he replaced Rukaria with Hussein Tene Debasso who was a candidate for Isiolo gubernatorial seat in the 2022 elections.
However, days after the changes, the former military man moved to Court to challenge his removal from office.
Rukaria explained that there was no consultation with the respective state corporation advisory committee before the revocation of his appointment.
“THAT Pending hearing and determination of the Application inter parties, a conservatory order is hereby granted, staying and /or halting the application realization of Gazette Notice No.1383 dated 6th February 2023, appointing the 1st interested Party, Hussein Tene Debasso, as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kenya National Trading Corporation for a period of 3 years, and in consequence revoking the appointment of the petitioner hereinn” the court order read.
“Section 7(3) of the State Corporations Act is clear that before the president can revoke the appointment of any board member, there has to be a cogent reason for the said revocation and that the same must be subjected to consultation with the State Corporation Advisory Committee’, Rukaria explained.
This is not the first time that Ruto's appointment is being challenged in court. On January 10, the court stopped former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu from assuming office as a member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission.
The Petition against Waititu's appointment was filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
